Story-Telling
Is story-telling a forgotten art or has it morphed into a more unique offering that now includes digital, cell phones and social networking instead of just a chat around the fireplace? I attended a presentation the other day by Jeff Olsen from Thomas Arts. Jeff spoke about story-telling and creating an emotional connection with your audience, whether that be a client, a colleague, a family member or an arena full of people. It was an impactful presentation, I learned a lot and began thinking about what makes a great story. How do you create an emotional connection through story-telling? Keep...
Read MoreWomen in Leadership
If a four year old can do it… Almost every executive, CEO, business owner and manager that I have spoken with over the past 10 years asks the same question, “how do we get more women in leadership roles in our company?” The problem is large, vast and permeates almost every industry and there isn’t a magic elixir that will instantly solve the problem. My answer to the inquisitive CEO is generally, “what are you doing to mentor women throughout your organization?” We then have a great discussion on recruiting methods, onboarding strategies, mentoring across divisions, diversity and the good...
Read MoreCan Every Leader Be A Mentor?
Guest Post courtesy of Ironstone Can Every Leader Be a Mentor? “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” I wonder if Benjamin Franklin had any idea how much power his statement would carry for more than 223 years? When I read this quote, I immediately thought of the power within the statement, yet the lack of power Mr. Franklin wanted to gain by saying it. What exactly is power? Power means different things to different people. I believe power should be defined as the ability to empower others. If you have courage to empower your team, peers, family and...
Read MoreTips for Mentors – Making an Impact
I have occasionally heard mentors lament, “I just don’t know if I am making an impact for my mentee!” I always assure them, that indeed, they do make an impact and to give themselves some credit. Looking for a few tips to gauge whether you are on track as a mentor? Here are a few ideas from successful mentors that I have seen work well. (1) Utilize your regular routine of meetings, client visits and presentations to provide shadow opportunities for mentees. Allow the mentee to assume the role of a “fly on the wall” in these situations. The value they gain from listening and...
Read MoreMentoring: A Fresh Perspective
Mentoring? Isn’t this just the process of taking a junior employee to lunch, impressing them with my knowledge and skill and then inviting them to call me if they have a question? Perhaps that was the process 10 years ago, but today’s employee plans on being engaged and in charge of their own career path. Not the same ole’ process The workforce today understands the power of a good mentoring partnership, but they are also looking for an engaged mentor who will provide them institutional knowledge, hands on experiences and a glimpse, not just behind the door into “upper level management...
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